A review on the role of phytosterols: new insights into cardiovascular risk

Phytosterols; which are structurally related to cholesterol; are found in all plant foods with highest concentration occurring in vegetable oils and nuts. Phytosterols are known to reduce serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level without changing high-density lipoprotein cholesterol or triglyceride levels. Daily consumption of phytosterols-enriched foods is widely used as a therapeutic option to lower plasma […]

LMN diet; rich in polyphenols and polyunsaturated fatty acids; improves mouse cognitive decline associated with aging and Alzheimer's disease.

We examined whether LMN diet; reported to induce neurogenesis in adult mice; was able to antagonize the age-related behavioural impairment and neuropathology in wild type (WT) mice and Tg2576 mice; a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Thirteen-month-old mice (once the amyloid (Aß) plaques were formed) were fed with the LMN diet for 5 months; […]

Determination of ochratoxins in nuts and grain samples by in-tube solid-phase microextraction coupled with liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry.

A simple and sensitive method for the determination of ochratoxins A and B in nuts and grain samples was developed using an automated in-tube solid-phase microextraction (SPME) coupled with liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Ochratoxins were separated within 5 min by high-performance liquid chromatography using an Inertsil ODS-3 column with 5 mM anmonium acetate/acetonitrile (65/35 v/v) […]

Application of emerging technologies to control Salmonella in foods: A review

Salmonella is one of the major causes of foodborne illnesses in United States and many other parts of the world. The ubiquitous nature of the organisms and innumerous serotypes present in various foods make it challenging for researchers to strive for its elimination. In the past decade; various novel technologies have emerged with great potential […]

Further mycotoxin effects from climate change

Climate change will affect mycotoxins in food. The 2007 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report is reinterpreted herein to account for what may occur with mycotoxins. Warmer weather; heat waves; greater precipitation and drought will have various impacts; depending on which regions of the world and mycotoxin systems are considered. The humidity issues are more […]

Effect of anilinopyrimidine resistance on aflatoxin production and fitness parameters in Aspergillus parasiticus Speare

ABSTRACT: Mutants of Aspergillus parasiticus resistant to the anilinopyrimidine fungicides were isolated at a high mutation frequency after UV-mutagenesis and selection on media containing cyprodinil. In vitro fungitoxicity tests resulted in the identification of two predominant resistant phenotypes that were highly (R1-phenotype) and moderately (R2-phenotype) resistant to the anilinopyrimidines cyprodinil; pyrimethanil and mepanipyrim. Cross-resistance studies […]

Native Australian fruit polyphenols inhibit COX-2 and iNOS expression in LPS-activated murine macrophages

Purified polyphenolic-rich extracts from four native Australian fruits; Illawarra Plum (Podocarpus elatus Endl.; Podocarpaceae); Kakadu Plum (Terminalia ferdinandiana Exell; Combretaceae); Muntries (Kunzea pomifera F. Muell.; Myrtaceae) and Native Currant (Acrotriche depressa R.Br.; Epacridaceae); were screened for their ability to modulate anti-inflammatory activity in LPS-activated murine macrophages (RAW 264.7). The Kakadu Plum extract inhibited the expression […]

Influence of light on food relevant fungi with emphasis on ochratoxin producing species

The influence of light of varying wavelength on growth and ochratoxin A biosynthesis of Aspergillus carbonarius; A. niger; A. steynii and on Penicillium nordicum and P. verrucosum was analysed. For comparison the influence of light on various other food relevant fungi; including citrinin producers; was also tested. Generally the Aspergilli seem to be more resistant […]

Nuts: Anti-atherogenic food?

The prevalence of cardiovascular disease as the leading cause of morbidity and mortality is increasing worldwide. This fact is mainly attributed to the modern lifestyle with predominant characteristics the change of dietary habits and the reduced physical activity which lead to metabolic disorders such as obesity and diabetes. Therefore; drastic dietary interventions are considered necessary […]